Chapter Summaries

Tang Tian exploited Thompson’s physical limitations to dominate the third quarter and push the Pelicans’ lead over the Warriors. He reached 38 points by the end of the quarter, surpassing his season high from the Opening Game.

• At halftime, Thompson asked Mark Jackson to let him guard Tang Tian, and Jackson switched Iguodala onto Gordon.
• Tang Tian drove past Thompson for a layup, then made a three-pointer while drawing a foul and converted the free throw.
• Tang Tian hit a catch-and-shoot three and followed it with a two-handed dunk, scoring 10 straight points after returning in the second half.
• Tang Tian played the entire third quarter and scored 20 points as the Warriors struggled to contain him.
• By the end of the third quarter, Tang Tian had 38 points, breaking his season high from the Opening Game.

Tang Tian defended Curry and then hit a clutch three-pointer against Iguodala, giving the Pelicans a four-point lead late in the game and reaching 41 points for his first career 40+ game. The Warriors still had a chance to respond with the final minute underway.

• Curry scored 12 points early in the fourth quarter, cutting the Warriors' deficit to five before Williams called a timeout.
• Tang Tian volunteered to guard Curry, while Gordon drew a foul and made two free throws to restore the Pelicans' lead.
• Tang Tian shut down Curry's off-ball movement, and Gordon scored five straight points to help the Pelicans extend their lead to 10.
• Thompson answered with consecutive three-pointers as the Warriors narrowed the gap, and Curry later hit a difficult three over Tang Tian to make it 110-109.
• Tang Tian caught Holiday's pass and made a high-difficulty three over Iguodala, giving the Pelicans a four-point lead and scoring his 41st point.

Tang Tian led the Pelicans through the closing minutes against the Warriors, scoring a career-high 40 points as New Orleans won 116-109. Exhausted but exhilarated after the victory, he celebrated with his teammates and the home fans.

• Tang Tian warned his teammates that the Warriors would target mismatches, and Davis blocked Lee's shot before securing the rebound.
• The Pelicans ran down the clock, and Tang Tian drove past Thompson for a 2+1 that gave them a seven-point lead after his free throw.
• Curry and Thompson missed late three-pointers, Davis grabbed the final rebound, and the Pelicans defeated the Warriors 116-109.
• Tang Tian collapsed from exhaustion after contesting Thompson, then got up and celebrated with Davis, Holiday, and the fans.

After Tang Tian scored 44 points in a win over the Warriors, his performances and popularity drew widespread attention. During the Pelicans’ break before facing the Clippers, he joked with Olson about Chinese wordplay and offered to teach her the language.

• Tang Tian scored 44 points as the Pelicans beat the Warriors, while Curry scored 36 and Thompson scored 22.
• Fans, TNT’s Big Three, and Stern praised Tang Tian, with Stern saying he could become a symbol of New Orleans.
• Williams gave the Pelicans a day off before their game against the Clippers, and Tang Tian played basketball with Little Lion at his villa.
• Olson listened to Chinese music and watched a documentary with Tang Tian and Little Lion.
• Tang Tian tricked Olson by claiming the song’s lyric about rumors and gossip meant “six-eyed flying fish,” then explained Chinese wordplay to her.
• Tang Tian pulled Olson onto his lap and offered to teach her Chinese.

After losing to the Clippers, Williams moved Gordon to the bench and reshaped the Pelicans’ starting lineup around Tang Tian. The Pelicans opened their Eastern road trip with wins over the Bucks and Raptors, a loss to the Pacers, and ended the chapter with their confidence rising.

• The Pelicans lost to the Clippers 106-91 despite Tang Tian scoring 31 points, and Griffin dismissed them as a main competitor after the game.
• Williams persuaded Gordon to accept a Sixth Man role, and the coaching staff named Holiday, Morrow, Tang Tian, Davis, and Jason Smith as the new starters while asking Aminu to improve his three-point shooting.
• Tang Tian scored 21 points in three quarters as the Pelicans beat the Bucks by 20 points, while Morrow hit four three-pointers in his first start.
• The Pelicans lost to the Pacers by 16 points despite Tang Tian leading the team with 30 points and 4 assists.
• The Pelicans upset the Raptors as Tang Tian scored 36 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while Gordon and Anderson contributed 16 and 14 points off the bench.

Tang Tian returned to San Antonio for his first game against the Spurs and visited his former teammates before the matchup. He reunited with the team and began handing out personalized gifts, leaving the rest of the reunion gifts unshown.

• The Pelicans finished their Eastern road trip with a 3-2 record after losing narrowly to the Celtics, where Tang Tian scored 32 points.
• Tang Tian spent a day shopping with Olson and prepared gifts for his former Spurs teammates.
• On the flight to San Antonio, Tang Tian decided to conserve energy with pull-up jumpers early and attack the basket more in the fourth quarter.
• Tang Tian visited the Spurs locker room before the game and was warmly welcomed by Ginobili, Duncan, Leonard, Green, and the other former teammates.
• Tang Tian gave Green a python egg and presented Duncan with a model car.

Tang Tian returned to San Antonio and exchanged thoughtful gifts with his former Spurs teammates and coaches before facing them as a Pelican. The Spurs fans booed him during introductions, leaving him poised to answer them on the court as the game approached.

• Tang Tian gave Duncan a model Dodge Charger, Parker headphones, Leonard Apple devices, Ginobili aphrodisiacs, Diop a camera, and the rookies conditioner.
• Tang Tian visited Popovich and Budenholzer with gifts, and he and Popovich joked about trying to beat each other.
• Tang Tian arrived at the packed ATT Arena for his first game against the Spurs since leaving them.
• The TNT commentators debated Tang Tian’s likely performance and noted that he had become a more complete player since his Spurs days.
• San Antonio fans booed Tang Tian during the Pelicans’ introductions, and O'Neal suggested the reception would motivate him to win.

Tang Tian led the Pelicans against his former team, scoring 13 points in the first quarter as they stayed close to the Spurs. In the second quarter, the Pelicans' reserves matched the Spurs' bench, leaving New Orleans with a real chance to win.

• Tang Tian received his Championship Ring amid scattered cheers after fans had booed him.
• Tang Tian beat Leonard one-on-one with a Pull-up Jumper, then scored again after the Pelicans ran a screen play.
• Davis blocked Leonard at the rim, and Tang Tian scored two more Pull-up Jumpers to open the game with six straight points.
• Tang Tian finished the first quarter with 13 points and 3 assists as the Pelicans trailed 25-29.
• Gordon and Anderson joined the Pelicans' reserves in the second quarter, and New Orleans kept pace with the Spurs at 31-35.

Tang Tian used his strength to score through contact and then broke a tense late-game deadlock with three consecutive pull-up jumpers, putting the Pelicans ahead of the Spurs by five. The Spurs still had time to respond as the chapter ended with the Pelicans’ momentum surging.

• Ginobili scored against Anderson, but Tang Tian powered past Green and passed to Davis for a dunk.
• Tang Tian drove through Green for a 2+1, prompting Popovich to replace Green with Splitter.
• Both teams struggled to score, and the game remained 38-36 entering the final five minutes.
• Tang Tian made a pull-up jumper to break the deadlock, then blocked Ginobili’s layup attempt.
• Tang Tian hit two more pull-up jumpers after the Pelicans stopped the Spurs twice, giving them a five-point lead.

Tang Tian led the Pelicans’ late comeback against the Spurs with a stunning run of clutch plays. After stealing the ball and hitting a third straight three-pointer, he put the Pelicans ahead in the final seconds.

• Tang Tian scored 23 first-half points as the Pelicans took a 50-45 lead, and Holt argued with Popovich at halftime.
• The Spurs double-teamed Tang Tian, surged ahead by double digits, and led 90-90 before Ginobili and Parker helped build a 96-90 advantage.
• Williams called a timeout and instructed the Pelicans to create chances for Tang Tian, who hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three.
• Duncan restored a five-point Spurs lead, but Tang Tian hit another three after a handoff to bring the Pelicans within two.
• Tang Tian anticipated Parker’s pass, stole the ball, and hit a chasing three-pointer to put the Pelicans ahead.

Tang Tian hit a game-winning three-pointer to complete the Pelicans’ comeback and defeat the Spurs, finishing with 41 points. After the game, his former Spurs teammates congratulated him, while Popovich embraced him with mixed feelings.

• Duncan scored a putback and made the free throw to give the Spurs a two-point lead with seven seconds left.
• The Spurs denied Tang Tian the inbound pass, and Eric Gordon’s rushed shot missed before Davis grabbed the offensive rebound.
• Davis passed to Tang Tian, who caught the low pass and made a contested three-pointer as time expired.
• The Pelicans celebrated Tang Tian’s 41-point performance, while Holt fainted from anger in the stands.
• Ginobili, Parker, Duncan, and Popovich congratulated Tang Tian after the game, and Popovich embraced him with complicated emotions.

After Tang Tian led the Pelicans past the Spurs with 41 points and a game-winner, he handled a provocative press question and celebrated with his teammates. As fans debated whether he could win the scoring title, RC Buford visited Holt and announced that he wanted to resign.

• Popovich took responsibility for the Spurs' loss at the press conference and refused to comment on Tang Tian's performance.
• Gordon and Williams praised Tang Tian, and Tang calmly rejected a reporter's claim that his clutch shots had used up his career's luck.
• Tang Tian returned to the locker room, where his teammates celebrated his 41-point performance with an improvised rap from Metta World Peace.
• Fans discussed Tang Tian's scoring average and his chances of challenging Kevin Durant for the scoring title.
• After recovering at home, Holt received a visit from RC Buford, who told him he wanted to resign.

After Tang Tian and Davis led the Pelicans past the Nets, debate grew over which player was the team’s true leader. The Pelicans traveled to New York to face the Knicks, where Tang Tian aimed to extend his scoring streak at Madison Square Garden.

• Holt persuaded Buford to abandon his resignation after Buford faced online abuse and threats from fans.
• Davis blocked Pierce’s key layup, then scored on Tang Tian’s pass to seal the Pelicans’ win over the Nets; Davis recorded 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Tang Tian scored 40.
• Fans debated whether Tang Tian or Davis was the Pelicans’ leader after Davis’s standout performance.
• The Pelicans traveled to New York with a chance to rise to seventh in the West by beating the Knicks.
• Before the game, JR Smith said the Knicks’ defense would prevent Tang Tian from scoring 40 points at Madison Square Garden.
• Tang Tian heard cheers from Chinese fans during introductions and set out to help the Pelicans win while continuing his 40-point streak.

Tang Tian and Anthony traded baskets at Madison Square Garden as the Pelicans built an early lead over the Knicks. Tang Tian’s passing and scoring punished New York’s defensive adjustments, while Anthony kept the Knicks close by scoring all their points.

• Davis won the tip, then caught Tang Tian’s pass and dunked to open the scoring for the Pelicans.
• Anthony answered with a pull-up jumper, while Tang Tian assisted Holiday and Morrow against the Knicks’ double-teams.
• Davis blocked JR Smith’s layup, and the Knicks continued missing shots as Anthony carried their offense.
• Tang Tian scored against Shump with help from Davis, then drove past the Knicks’ defense for another basket.
• Anthony scored with a fadeaway and a three-pointer, trading shots with Tang Tian as the Pelicans led 11-7.

Tang Tian and Anthony traded baskets through the first half, and the Pelicans went into halftime tied with the Knicks. After both teams adjusted, Tang Tian helped the Pelicans take a lead, but Anthony led a Knicks comeback, leaving Tang Tian to take over as his defender.

• Tang Tian scored 12 points in the first quarter as the Pelicans led the Knicks 28-22, and both he and Anthony continued their duel until halftime ended in a 55-55 tie.
• The Knicks started Stoudemire in place of JR Smith, while Tang Tian began double-teaming Anthony, who missed a pass to Bargnani.
• Tang Tian scored a pull-up jumper over Anthony, stole Anthony's next pass, and finished a fast-break three-pointer to give the Pelicans a 60-55 lead.
• Anthony scored over Davis and later drove past him for a basket, while the Pelicans struggled to score against the Knicks' improved defense.
• Tang Tian finally took Anthony as his assignment and calmly told him, "I'm here."

Tang Tian and Anthony traded baskets in a high-scoring duel as the Pelicans and Knicks stayed even into the final seconds. After Davis tied the game and Tang Tian stopped Anthony’s last shot, Davis insisted that Tang Tian take the Pelicans’ final attempt despite Tang Tian’s exhaustion.

• Anthony tried to drive past Tang Tian, but Tang Tian stole the ball and finished a fast-break dunk after a pass from Holiday.
• Anthony and Tang Tian traded scores through the third quarter, ending it tied at 38 points each.
• Both teams’ benches kept the game close in the fourth quarter, and the starters returned to a 103-103 tie in the final minute.
• Anthony scored over Tang Tian, then Davis answered with a basket to tie the game at 105-105 with 26 seconds left.
• Tang Tian stopped Anthony’s final attempt, and after the Pelicans called a timeout, Davis insisted Tang Tian take the last shot.

Tang Tian hit a buzzer-beating game-winner to lead the Pelicans past the Knicks, and Davis publicly named him the team’s leader. The chapter ended with Tang receiving praise from his coach and teammates as fans celebrated his three straight 40-point games and his rise to the top of the league scoring list.

• Davis told Williams and the team that Tang Tian was their leader, and Williams agreed to keep the play designed for him.
• Tang Tian drove past Anthony and made a contested shot at the buzzer to beat the Knicks.
• A slow-motion replay confirmed that Tang Tian released the ball before time expired, and Davis celebrated with him.
• Anthony congratulated Tang Tian during the handshake ceremony after finishing with 45 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
• Williams praised Tang Tian at the press conference, while Davis again called him the team’s leader and Tang credited his teammates.
• Fans discussed Tang Tian’s three consecutive 40-point games, his seven straight 30-point games, and his move into first place in league scoring.

Tang Tian won Western Player of the Week as the Pelicans continued improving, while Durant complained about being overlooked and drew fans’ mockery. Before Christmas, Tang Tian gave his teammates Ferrari 458s, leaving Davis confused about why everyone rushed to the parking lot.

• The league named Tang Tian and Kyrie Irving Players of the Week, prompting fans to discuss their training and Tang’s scoring surge.
• Durant posted about being overlooked, then argued with fans through burner accounts and smashed another phone.
• Tang Tian’s scoring streak ended as opponents focused on him, but the Pelicans stayed competitive and climbed to sixth in the West on a four-game winning streak.
• Tang Tian handed his Pelicans teammates Ferrari 458 model cars for Christmas, and Metta World Peace snapped his open to reveal a real car key.
• The players found keys inside their gifts and rushed to the parking lot, while Davis remained behind until Tang Tian explained that each gift was a Ferrari 458.

Tang Tian gave every Pelicans player a Ferrari and a night with a car model to strengthen his standing in the locker room and support his goal of winning the scoring title. After watching the Christmas Day games, he faced the Clippers with his teammates relentlessly setting him up, and he scored 20 points in the first quarter.

• Davis found a Ferrari key and discovered that Tang Tian had given every teammate a Ferrari and arranged a car model for each of them.
• Tang Tian reasoned that the extravagant gifts would earn his teammates' goodwill and make them more willing to pass him the ball as he pursued the scoring title.
• Tang Tian watched the Heat beat the Thunder and the Lakers defeat the Clippers on Christmas Day, then learned that the Warriors had routed the Knicks.
• Tang Tian told a sideline reporter that the Pelicans would teach the Clippers a lesson in their packed home arena.
• The Pelicans repeatedly screened and passed to Tang Tian against the Clippers, and he scored 20 points in the first quarter.

Tang Tian was injured when Barnes forcefully pulled him down, triggering a brawl in which Metta World Peace punched Barnes and both were ejected. The Pelicans lost to the Clippers, and Tang Tian’s examination found a minor shoulder dislocation that would sideline him for three to five weeks.

• The Pelicans led the Clippers early, but the game grew tense as both teams traded scores and Aminu was ejected after receiving two technical fouls.
• Barnes forcefully pulled Tang Tian down, and Metta World Peace punched and beat Barnes before officials and players stopped the fight.
• The referees ejected Barnes and Metta World Peace with Flagrant 2 fouls, while Tang Tian left for hospital examinations after staying until halftime.
• The Pelicans fought on without Tang Tian but lost to the Clippers 91-106.
• The next day, doctors diagnosed Tang Tian with a minor shoulder dislocation and prescribed three to five weeks of recovery.